The word Vedanta means end of knowledge, or culmination of knowledge. Vedanta is
considered to be the most developed philosophy of Hinduism. Vedanta is also known as
Uttara Mimamsa, and it represents the final of the six classical systems of Hindu thought,
or Shad Darshana. The other five systems preceding Vedanta are Vaisesika, Nyaya,
Samkkya, Yoga, and Purva Mimamsa. Vedanta classically refers to the philosophy laid
out in three primary sources: the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Brahmasutras.
Vyasa (Badarayana) first attempted to systemize Vedanta in the Brahmasutras, or
Vedanta Sutras. Sankaracharya, Madhwacharya, and Ramanujacharya are the foremost
exponents of the three major schools of Vedanta - Advaita, Dvaita, and Visistadvaita,
respectively. These three schools accept each others' paths, but arrange the paths to the
goal and the different aspects of the goal in distinct hierarchies.

Mahavakyas, or great sayings, of the Upanishads represent verses that are repeated
throughout various Upanishads, and these concepts are quintessential in Vedanta.
Though Brahman is truly indescribable, Vedantins attempt to approach describing
Brahman with the realization that no words will ever suffice. Brahman is described as
satchitananda, or existence-consciousness-bliss. Brahman is Supreme - infinite beyond
space, eternal beyond time, and immutable beyond causation. The realization of
Brahman is moksha, or freedom -- enlightenment which releases one from the cycle of
samsara, or reincarnation. It is of utmost importance that one remembers that Brahman is
within. This sentiment is central in Hinduism and exists in Christianity as well, "the
kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21).

The mahavakyas emphasize the potentiality for the Divine within. A great person once
said that "we are not human beings with a spiritual experience, but we are spiritual beings
with a human experience." Hence, the Divine lies within. Knowledge lies within.
Peace, perfection, and prosperity lie within. Atman lies within. Brahman lies within.
Vedanta offers the paths to reach that goal - within.